Finally, 9 Ways To Love This Creative Writer’s Unique New Mac Tool

‘Finally’ in an article’s headline does not get the respect it deserves. I’ve been writing for a few decades and have yet to find a writing tool that fits (since WriteNow and Bean passed away).

Thanks to Haven for the Mac I’m almost– but not quite– ready to end the search. Have belongs in the category of next-gen writing tools. It’s not really a word processor; sans the floating palettes and toolbars. It’s also not quite distraction free and minimalist. Here are 9 ways to love using Haven.

9 Lives, All At Once

Haven thinks of itself (the developers) as less of a tool and more of a place to write. Those are sweet marketing words but there’s some truth there.

What you get is a blend of options that works more for creative writers than those who process words (not really the same thing at all). For example, you can select from multiple themes– the places to write– snow, Berlin, Kyoto. Whatever helps to pique your creative gene– complete with corresponding musical background.

Haven features a built-in character builder to help you– suggestions– for each character; from appearance to occupation, and other traits. Microsoft Word doesn’t do that. Along with character there’s a plot generator to help you organize your ideas by using a standard technique among creative writing tools– two characters in a random place.

Got writer’s block? Haven helps with random floating words to help you brainstorm your way through the blockage. Need some inspiration? The built-in myths and legends feature activates based upon the writing theme you chose.

Some writers, yours truly included, get inspiration (or, maybe perspiration) from a deadline. Haven has timers to help you set and keep to objectives and goals. Haven even leaves some of your writing options to chance. The Inspiration Dice can be rolled to generate words in three categories to help you set mood, object, and terrain– great for inventing new storylines through conceptual brainstorming.

Most writers have a uniquely particular method to writing. For Haven, customization is important, so it comes with the most used fonts by writers, background soundtracks, and keystroke sounds so how you write can be unique to you.

What’s missing? Again, Haven is not Word Lite; it’s a creative writing tool with minimal distractions and a minimalist approach. I would like to have a word counter, though. Click Here for a few more writer’s tool options.

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About Carol Miller

I teach English in Paris, France. My husband works for a US company here. He switched from PCs to the Mac over 20 years ago. I told him it would improve our marriage, give us more friends, and reduce stress. It gave us two out of three. Read more of my articles here.

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